Federal Ag Minister Lawrence MacAulay’s trade mission to China is reportedly off to a strong start, with industry groups reaching a multitude of new deals.

The marquee event during MacAulay’s visit to Shanghai was Food and Hospitality China, the largest food trade show in china specifically targeting international food and beverage suppliers for the Chinese market.

“China is a priority market for the Government of Canada, and the cities of Guangzhou and Shanghai are the financial and trading hubs of that growing market," said MacAulay. "By showcasing Canadian products, we are helping Canadian farmers and processors increase their agri-food exports. Achieving this goal will be a boost for Canadian farmers, our economy, and the middle class.”

MacAulay also witnessed important signing ceremonies between Canadian company Genesus and a number of Chinese companies worth an industry-estimated $7.2 million.

He also met with VIP.com, one of the country’s top-three developers of e-commerce platforms.

Canada has a goal of doubling bilateral trade with China and growing global agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025.